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Thou Art Royal, Therefore Endure!

Alfred Tennyson was a Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland back in the 1800s during much of Queen Victoria’s reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. One day he was summoned into Queens Victoria’s private quarter who was the most powerful woman in the world at that time. She was going through some very dark tough days, in fact, she was really thinking about abdicating her throne and so she invited this poet laureate who was renowned for his wisdom and spoke to him expressing some very powerful, deep emotions, fears, and anxiety. After she finished speaking, the poet laureate (Alfred Tennyson) looked her right in the eyes and said to her:

“Thou art Royal, therefore Endure… Thou art Royal, therefore Endure.”

Even as Christians, it is easier to run, but Trusting God and fleeing is beneath the dignity of the Royal blood that flows through our vein. Whatever you are about to run away from, remember this: “Thou art royal, therefore endure”. If you have reached the end of your rope, tie a knot on it. God will give you strength, therefore do not flee!

A story (possibly true or fictional) was told about the Korean War. The Baker Company was cut off from other American units and became isolated for several hours. The American military Headquarters persevered and kept trying to communicate with the Baker Company, with their radio corpsman calling out:

“Baker Company, do you read? What is your situation?”

Finally, a faint signal was received with the following words,

“This is Baker Company… The enemy is to our north, the enemy is to our south, the enemy is to our west, and the enemy is to our east… The enemy cannot get away from us now!”

Although we also are surrounded constantly on all sides by the enemy of our Souls, we ought to remember that the battle has already been won. We are only sojourners in this falling world which is in a constant conflict with God the Father. Our mortal flesh is in direct conflict with the indwelling the Holy Spirit. And the Devil (though a defeated foe) opposes God the son.

The Word of God tells us:

“We are pressed in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” – Psalm 73:26

Hugh Latimer was preaching one day in the presence of King Henry VIII, and as he was preaching began to have thoughts about what he was about to say knowing full well King Henry VIII was renowned for barbarically beheading the heads of anyone who disapproves of him. He had a dilemma of saying what he should say or not say, so in the middle of his sermon, he had the following conversation with himself.

“Latimer! Latimer!! Thou art going to speak before the high and mighty King Henry VIII, who is able, if he thinks fit, to take thy life away. Be careful what thou sayest… But Latimer! Latimer!! Thou art also about to speak before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Take heed thou dost not displease Him.”

Eventually, Latimer was burnt at the stake with many others for proclaiming the biblical truth uncompromisingly. It is said of most faithful servant of God that they fear men so little because they fear God so much. God has everything under control, the truth will ultimately triumph, and Heaven is our destination for those who believe in the Son Jesus Christ and has received the Holy Spirit as a seal. So why fear?

After David killed Goliath he lived with King Saul. The story of David starts below. When Saul was sad, David made music for Saul. This made Saul happy again. Later, Saul thought that David wanted to become king. This was not true. But Saul wanted David dead anyway. The friends of David said to David, “run away!” (or, “fly away like a bird” – Psalm 11:1), David answered by saying: In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my Soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?”

God did not promise us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, Nor sun without rain. But HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way. Stop fighting your own battles and let the Lord fight your every battle. Just take up your cross, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has over the world, even our faith (I John 5:4). Till He returns or calls me home, here in the Power of Christ I’ll stand.